How to Fight Winter Mold Growth

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

How to Fight Winter Mold

Mold grows surprisingly well in the winter – at least indoors. As we insulate our homes and crank up the heat, we’re also trapping moisture and increasing the humidity. This creates the perfect environment for this nasty fungus to take root – but you don’t have to let it.

Here are a few of our top tips for fighting winter mold growth:

Keep Humidity in Check

If there’s enough moisture in the air, mold can thrive even without a clear source of liquid water. Humidity indoors often spikes in the winter months, but you can control things a bit by placing one or more dehumidifiers throughout the house. These are especially effective in kitchens and bathrooms, where there tend to be higher local humidity levels.

Inspect Your Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts

Your roof, gutters, and downspouts are an important drainage system. They do more than just keep the rain off your head – they’re designed to funnel that water away from your home’s foundation and basement.

Problem is, autumn and winter debris (like twigs, leaves, and chunks of ice) can block up your gutters and downspouts. This can cause rainwater and snowmelt to back up into your home, or to drip down and erode the foundation. Ensure your drainage systems work properly all winter long by checking for blockages and clearing them out.

Clean and Vacuum Regularly

Frequent vacuuming and quickly drying up spilled water becomes even more important in the winter months. Pay attention to your basement and bathrooms in particular, as well as the area around the doors to outside.

With winters often full of snow and mud, you and your family/houseguests are likely to accidentally track debris inside, so be sure to keep your entryways especially clean. Even small amounts can serve as food for mold, and a damp, poorly lit area might as well be a welcome mat (which, by the way, you’ll want to wash as well).

For mold removal and water damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of Fontana today at (909) 357-4337.